15 New Flight Slots Added At Pune Airport Amid Soaring Passenger Demand
15 New Flight Slots Added At Pune Airport Amid Soaring Passenger Demand
Pune | June 3, 2025 — In a significant step toward easing air traffic congestion, 15 additional flight slots have been allocated to Pune International Airport, thanks to coordination between civil aviation authorities and the Indian Air Force (IAF), which jointly operate the Lohegaon airbase.
Daily Flight Movements Increase
Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, shared the news on social media, stating “With IAF’s cooperation, 15 additional civil flight slots have been introduced during peak hours, raising daily flight operations from 220 to 235. This marks a committed step towards ensuring faster, smoother travel.”
Public Demands Full-Fledged Airport
While the additional slots are welcomed, citizens continue to express concerns over Pune’s long-term aviation needs.
Slot Expansion to Improve Travel Experience
The new slots are expected to alleviate congestion, allow more flexible scheduling, and respond to growing passenger volumes. Pune’s rise as a major IT, business, and industrial hub has driven a surge in air traffic, with both business and leisure travel on the rise.
By distributing these new slots to domestic carriers, authorities aim to reduce delays and improve frequency on high-demand routes, enhancing overall passenger experience.
Long-Term Solution Hinges on Purandar Airport
Although the current slot increase offers temporary relief, aviation experts stress the urgent need for a new international airport at Purandar to provide dedicated infrastructure and operational independence. As of now, the project remains stuck at the land acquisition stage.
Until then, continued coordination between the IAF and civil aviation authorities will be crucial to maintain and expand Pune’s air connectivity, ensuring the city’s rapid growth is supported by efficient transport infrastructure.
